One big happy family. That’s what a lot of TV shows, particularly in the past, liked to portray, and that is what most of us would like to have - family harmony. However, though we try our best, sometimes that is not achievable. There are a number of things that can cause the conflict and dissension, and we read about a significant one in our Scripture today. Though often we want to do what we can to smooth things over, including compromise, the Lord Jesus warned that this is something that we can never compromise about. Let’s look into our Gospel reading for today.
This portion of the Gospel of Matthew is a continuation of the message that the Lord Jesus gave to His disciples as He commissioned them to go throughout the land of Israel, two by two, bringing His message to the villages in preparation of His coming there. Jesus had warned them of persecution, and now He told them what the cost of discipleship would be. We will see what loyalty to the Lord Jesus Christ looks like in a hostile world.
First we read something that might be a bit of a surprise, especially when we so often think of Jesus as One who brings peace. In our opening verses we read that Jesus said that He did not come to bring peace, but a sword, setting family members against one another (vs. 34-36). An important thing to realize when we read these verses is that Jesus is not contradicting His role as the Prince of Peace (Isaiah 9:6). Rather, He is teaching us that the Gospel divides. It divides those who follow God and His Word, the Bible from those who reject Him and follow Satan’s lies. The “sword” is figurative, referring to the sharp division that God’s truth creates. In a world opposed to God, the Gospel cannot help but create sharp lines of separation.
When a person follows Jesus, unbelieving family members may respond with hostility. The Lord quoted Micah 7:6 to show that such division is characteristic of the last days, and His return. Genuine Christians must expect opposition, even from those closest to them, because loyalty to Jesus exposes the spiritual loyalties of others. It is true that Jesus is the Great Peacemaker, but before peace He brings division. Where light comes, the darkness must leave. Where the truth is, the lie must be trampled underfoot. Christ’s truth is absolute, therefore conflict with error and darkness is inevitable. Faithfulness may cost relationships. Standing with Jesus is worth more than maintaining peace at the expense of truth. If we follow Jesus, we will have enemies. He who is friends with the world is an enemy of God (James 4:4).
Continuing on we read that Jesus demands our supreme love. He requires first place, above parents, children, and one’s own life (vs. 37-39). Jesus tells us that we cannot become His disciple unless we place Him as our top priority, which could cause unbelieving family to reject us. Taking up our cross is embracing a path of suffering, shame, and death to self. In Jesus’ day, the listeners knew the cross meant execution. One who “finds his life” in vs. 39 means clinging to earthly comfort and self-preservation. “Losing life” means to surrender everything for the Savior’s sake. Losing the lesser life will gain the greater, eternal one.
Jesus’ Lordship is total. No earthly relationship or personal ambition can rival obedience to Him. True salvation produces a willingness to forsake all (Luke 14:26-33). What in my life is competing for my allegiance? Truly following the Savior should reorder our loves so that He is supreme.
Jesus concluded this segment of Scripture by stating that receiving His servants is receiving Him (vs. 40-42). Jesus identified Himself with His messengers. To welcome them is to welcome Him. The one who opens the door to a Christian believer out of hospitality also opens the door to Jesus, who sent him, and therefore to God the Father. To open the door to God’s messenger is to open the door to God’s message.
God sees and rewards even the smallest acts done for Jesus and His servants. Acts of kindness done for believers will be noted and rewarded. Even a cup of water given to a thirsty disciple will not be overlooked on Judgment Day.
In closing, when we stand for Biblical truth we can expect opposition, even from family members. We will also see various things in our life that will try to compete with our loyalty to Jesus, such as relationships and responsibilities. However, as a faithful Christian, we must always choose Jesus first and foremost. Finally, we must remember the promise that Jesus gave - losing our life for Him will lead to finding true life.
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